#MaAn: A flight of fate

||6|| The Unknown Emotions

The night had been a tumultuous storm of emotions for Anuj, and the morning that followed felt like a fragile dawn trying to break through heavy clouds of despair. He woke up in his dimly lit apartment, his head pounding with the remnants of last night's drinking. The memories of Anupama's father's harsh words echoed in his mind like a relentless drumbeat.

He lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, replaying the scene over and over again. The hurt in Anupama's eyes, the disappointment etched deep in her father's face – it all weighed heavily on his chest. The pain of rejection mixed with the self-loathing he felt for allowing himself to sink into alcohol's comforting abyss once more.

Anuj dragged himself out of bed, feeling the physical and emotional weight bearing down on him. He stumbled into the bathroom, catching sight of his disheveled appearance in the mirror. His eyes were bloodshot, his face pale and gaunt. The bandage on his hand from where he had accidentally cut himself last night was a stark reminder of his inner turmoil manifesting in physical wounds.

As he stood there, trying to gather himself, he heard a knock on the door. Weakly, he called out, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Anuj. Devika," came the soft reply from the other side.

Anuj opened the door, and Devika stood there, her eyes filled with concern. She took one look at him and gently guided him back inside. "Anuj, what happened? Why didn't you call me last night?"

Anuj shook his head, feeling tears welling up in his eyes. "I couldn't... I couldn't face anyone, Devika. I hurt Anupama. I hurt myself. I couldn't face you or anyone."

Devika wrapped her arms around him in a comforting embrace. "It's okay, Anuj. You're going to be okay. Let's get you to the hospital. You need proper medical care."

Anuj nodded silently, allowing Devika to lead him out of his apartment and into her car. The drive to the hospital was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by Anuj's occasional sniffles and Devika's reassuring touch on his shoulder.

### The Hospital

They arrived at the hospital, and Devika wasted no time in getting Anuj the urgent medical attention he needed. The doctors examined him, stitching up the wound on his hand and assessing his overall condition. They noted signs of exhaustion and dehydration, prescribing fluids and medication to stabilize him.

Once Anuj was settled in a hospital bed, Devika stayed by his side, her presence a comforting anchor amidst the turmoil. Anuj lay there, staring at the ceiling of the hospital room, his mind swirling with thoughts of Anupama and the children. He knew he had let them down once again, and the weight of that realization crushed him.

Devika sat beside him, gently holding his hand. "Anuj, you need to take care of yourself. For your sake and for theirs."

Anuj turned to look at her, his eyes filled with tears. "I love her so much, Devika. I can't lose them. I can't..."

"You won't lose them, Anuj," Devika said firmly. "But you need to show them that you're serious about getting better. That you're willing to fight for them."

Anuj nodded slowly, his throat tightening with emotion. "I will, Devika. I promise."

### Anupama's Anguish

Back at Anupama's home, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken sorrow. Anupama couldn't shake off the guilt that gnawed at her heart. She had seen the devastation in Anuj's eyes as he left, and her father's harsh words continued to haunt her. She knew she had to confront her father about his treatment of Anuj.

That afternoon, Anupama found her father in the study, poring over some paperwork. She stood there silently for a moment, gathering her courage. Finally, she spoke, her voice trembling with suppressed emotions.